Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 558 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000719147
Common Names
- Bear's foot hellebore
- Stinking hellebore
- Stinking bear's foot
Description
Helleborus foetidus (also called Stinking hellebore, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in moist, shady habitats. It is a small, perennial herb with white or pink flowers and a strong, pungent odor.
Uses & Benefits
Helleborus foetidus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Helleborus foetidus is a white or yellow, five-petaled star-shaped flower. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling.
Cultivation and Propagation
Helleborus foetidus is a perennial plant that can be grown from seed or propagated by division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade and can tolerate full sun. It is hardy to USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C). It is best to plant the seeds in the fall and to keep the soil moist until germination. Division can be done in the spring or fall. The plant can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer.
Where to Find Helleborus foetidus
Helleborus foetidus is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. It can be found in rocky, shady areas, often near the coast.
Helleborus foetidus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Helleborus foetidus?
Helleborus foetidus
What is the common name of Helleborus foetidus?
Stinking Hellebore
What type of habitat does Helleborus foetidus prefer?
Helleborus foetidus prefers moist, shady habitats.
Species in the Helleborus genus
Helleborus bocconei,
Helleborus colchicus,
Helleborus croaticus,
Helleborus cyclophyllus,
Helleborus dumetorum,
Helleborus foetidus,
Helleborus lividus,
Helleborus multifidus,
Helleborus niger,
Helleborus odorus,
Helleborus orientalis,
Helleborus purpurascens,
Helleborus thibetanus,
Helleborus vesicarius,
Helleborus viridis,
Helleborus mucheri,
Species in the Ranunculaceae family
Aconitum soyaense,
Aconitum abietetorum,
Aconitum acutiusculum,
Aconitum ajanense,
Aconitum alboflavidum,
Aconitum alboviolaceum,
Aconitum alpino-nepalense,
Aconitum ambiguum,
Aconitum amplexicaule,
Aconitum angulatum,
Aconitum angusticassidatum,
Aconitum angustifolium,
Aconitum anthora,
Aconitum apetalum,
Aconitum aquilonare,
Aconitum artemisiifolium,
Aconitum assamicum,
Aconitum atlanticum,
Aconitum austriacum,
Aconitum austrokoreense,
Aconitum axilliflorum,
Aconitum azumiense,
Aconitum baburinii,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum bailangense,
Aconitum barbatum,
Aconitum baumgartenianum,
Aconitum berdaui,
Aconitum bhedingense,
Aconitum bicolor,
Aconitum biflorum,
Aconitum brachypodum,
Aconitum bracteolatum,
Aconitum brevicalcaratum,
Aconitum brevilimbum,
Aconitum brevipetalum,
Aconitum brunneum,
Aconitum bucovinense,
Aconitum bujbense,
Aconitum bulbilliferum,
Aconitum bulleyanum,
Aconitum burnatii,
Aconitum calthifolium,
Aconitum cammarum,
Aconitum campylorrhynchum,
Aconitum cannabifolium,
Aconitum carmichaelii,
Aconitum changianum,
Aconitum charkeviczii,